Crazy Brake Dust
 

Is it just me or does the E300 Sport 4matic W213 have crazy amounts of brake dust in the front. Within 3 days of washing the car, the brake dust is just caked on there again...all over the wheels.

Anyone have a solution on this or a different pad recommendation?

-H

yes! it is not specific to the 4matic. my RWD E has the same problem. Hoping to bring it up to the dealer at the first service for a solution.

New pads will shed large amounts of dust.
I coat the wheels with a non-stick spray application of either as silicon or wax each time I wash the car. Not as much dust sticks to the wheel and what does stick is easier to remove.

Been waiting for someone to comment on this. Worst of any car I've ever owned, and my one serious complaint against this car. Looking forward to hearing possible solutions. Even considered replacement ceramic pads, but I don't find any.

My first C Class (2010) had a TSB for excessively dusty rear brakes IIRC. Maybe they will consider the same again.

MB cars has had this dust issue for decades. Just take a good look at some of older MB on the road today. My first MB 2003 has the same issue. Change brake pads is the only solution besides cleaning regularly. However, surprise, my new E400 coupe does not have this issue. I guess they use different pads. Maybe these pads would fit the 300? Check with your dealer.

I've seen a million complaints about this, however, my c400 has never suffered from it! I wonder if it has something to do not only with the brake pads and environment but if the rim design (airflow) has something to do with it too. I have the classic 5 spoke AMG rims. My rotors get rusty sometimes just by looking at them however nothing ever sticks to the rims. I do, however, always wax the rims at least 2x a year.

With the 18 inch AMG wheels and the cross drilled rotors not notice the brake dust at all. Maybe the wheel aren't silver perhaps.

I forgot to mention above, my brakes squeal too. Terribly embarrassing trying to come to a complete stop in front of a cross walk :(

No that is no solution as new pads will break even more dust, pads needs some mileage to set.

Not MB pads obviously!

Never said that they went dust free after they've set, just that new pads tend to dust even more.

I think so too. I did not buy my car brand new. I bought it with around 2000 miles and noticed hardly any brake dust. I recall when I bought my 2004 E320 brand new it has crazy brake dust too. I had to change them out to Akebono pads. But these low dust pads will eventually warp your rotors for the long run causing vibration when braking. I had to replace the rotors about every 2-3 pads changing. I will never use them again. I would rather clean the dust than have to deal with the vibration and replacing the rotors especially these cross drilled. I am pretty sure Mercedes Benz engineering team went through substantial researches and testings to match up the breaking systems.
I am not rich but I love Mercedes and will keep driving it.
Just IMO

Im not sure 5K miles is still considered new brake pads....

If you want to reduce the amount of dust build up wax your rims, all of it. Rims are painted both inside and out. Waxing them a few times a year will help a lot.

Not sure this problem is unique to MB cars. My 2008 BMW 550i Sport had the same problem - tons of brake dust.

Not just MB.

The front wheels on my BMW 5 Series used to get as black as the earl of hell's waistcoat...

Common complaint even on the W211 and W212 models. Lots of people switched over to Akebono. Unfortunately, the 2017 is so new, there's nothing listed right now. Even rockauto which typically has lots of brake pad suggestions only list Powerstop and they're like $37 for a set so who knows how good they are or if they're really low dust like they claim.

The main issue I have with low dust pads is that they are very hard on the rotors.

I think I'm going to switch the pads out to the posi centric ceramics when they come out. Part numbers are listed but no one stocks it yet. This is just crazy. 3 days again and it's caked. FYI my wheels are coated with wax and it's done nothing but make t easier to clean... but cleaning wheels every 3 days seems a little ridiculous.

I've had a 2011 e350 sport and a 2014 e350 sport. No excessive brake dust issues there.

I paid for the MB Dupont Sealant for the Car Exterior and Interior and had my first wash this weekend.

I used a foam cannon with a gentle power washer (1500psi) and although most of the brake dust flushed right off, there was still a layer of dust that I had to whip off with a rag.
I did not proceed to use a wax or polish, because often times they attract more dust. I made sure to wash the car when the metals were cold, but the wheels were probably still warm.

Looks to me that in order to keep it factory clean, I'll have to buy a set of wheels and alternate to keep them fresh and clean.

Using a foam Lance and Power wash doesnt count as a thorough wash,
you need to use a sponge or a microfiber cloth to get rid of the dust on the wheels and the dirt on the paint.
There are no shortcuts to a perfect end result :)

Yes thanks for the input, they sure did sell me on the sealant. I thought the particles would wash right off.

Its not fun dealing with the dirt and grim from the brake dust. I would suspect few clean rags or soft sponges will need to be allocated for the exhaust & rim details.

I have a luxury version with 18inch wheels on it, more then 300 miles and week and very minimal brake dust. It could be the sport rims and aerodynamics affecting it or my loaner got its pads changed.

I regret not purchasing the luxury version. From what I understand, the brake rotors are solid or non-perforated. Thus, the car draws minimal brake dust. But overall, brake dust isn't enough to give me buyers remorse.